Washington (AP) – The White House Journalists Association has supported a journalist who became a victim of online hate after asking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “In a democracy, journalists should not be targeted simply because they are doing their job and asking questions that need to be asked,” said the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA), an association of journalists working in white reporting houses. .
Modi was received by US President Joe Biden as a state guest at the White House last week. During a press appearance, Wall Street Journal journalist Sabrina Siddiqui asked Modi what measures he was taking to protect minorities and uphold freedom of expression. Modi said there was “absolutely no room” for discrimination in India and defended his government. The prime minister rarely speaks to the media. It almost never happened that he answered questions at a press conference.
Modi of the Hindu nationalist BJP has been the country’s prime minister since 2014. During his tenure, India dropped several places in rankings on democracy and press freedom. Critics complain that religious minorities are discriminated against in the Hindu-majority country and the prime minister is undermining democracy.
Journalist Siddiqui has been viciously attacked by supporters of Modi and his party on the Internet since the press conference. Their motives, religion and backgrounds have been questioned, the WHCA said. “This is unacceptable.” The White House also condemns the harassment of journalists in this context. The Wall Street Journal said Siddiqui was a “respectable journalist known for his integrity and impartial reporting.”
“Subtly charming web junkie. Unapologetic bacon lover. Introvert. Typical foodaholic. Twitter specialist. Professional travel fanatic.”
